Remembrance Sunday: King Charles leads nation in quiet tribute

King Charles has led the nation in solemn remembrance on Remembrance Sunday 2025, standing at the Cenotaph to honour those who gave their lives in conflict.

Dressed in Field Marshal uniform, the King laid the first wreath on behalf of the nation, before stepping back to observe a two-minute silence in the heart of Whitehall. Thousands of veterans, families and members of the public joined him in the annual act of reflection.

The Prince of Wales followed, saluting as he placed his wreath at the foot of the memorial. In Royal Air Force uniform, he paid tribute to all those who served, reflecting his own seven years of operational service and ongoing work to support the welfare of Armed Forces personnel.

“Every name remembered today represents courage and sacrifice,” said one veteran standing near the Cenotaph. “We’re here to make sure they are never forgotten.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer laid a floral tribute alongside senior politicians, representatives of the Commonwealth and eight former prime ministers, from Sir John Major to Rishi Sunak.

From the balcony of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Queen and the Princess of Wales watched the ceremony, both dressed in black. They were joined by other senior royals including the Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Kent, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Across the country, thousands gathered at memorials in towns, cities and villages, marking the moment with a collective silence. In Edinburgh, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney laid a wreath at the Stone of Remembrance outside the City Chambers.

The service concluded with the Last Post sounded by the Buglers of the Royal Marines, followed by applause as the national anthem played and the royal party departed.

Among those present were some of the few surviving veterans of the Second World War, including 101-year-old Sid Machin, one of the last surviving “Chindits” from the Burma campaign.

Other veterans included Mervyn Kersh, who landed in Normandy at 19, and Henry Rice, a former signalman who arrived on Juno Beach five days after D-Day. Each stood as living reminders of the endurance and humanity that Remembrance Sunday continues to honour.

For the Royal British Legion, the service marked the culmination of its Poppy Appeal, which raises funds to support serving and former Armed Forces members and their families.

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[Image Credit | Entertainment Daily]

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